The New Haven City Plan Commission voted unanimously on September 16 to approve a site plan and coastal site plan for eight new affordable apartments at 83 Lombard Street. The lot, a 0.17‑acre parcel in the Fair Haven neighborhood, has sat empty for more than 15 years after the People’s Laundromat burned down under suspicious circumstances.
Developer and ownership details
The project will be carried out by Douglas Allen Investment Group LLC, a holding company controlled by Milford developer Douglas Woods, Jr. The City of New Haven owns the property and will transfer it to the developer after a Request for Proposals (RFP) process. The Board of Alders is set to approve the sale of the lot for $55,000.
Affordable‑housing focus
According to local attorney Ben Trachten, the plan reserves all eight units for households earning no more than 80 percent of the area median income, which translates to an annual income of $79,700 for a family of two. The units are intended to replace a “burned‑out commercial site with affordable housing,” providing much‑needed rental options for low‑ and moderate‑income families in the community.
Site constraints and construction timeline
Trachten noted that a massive concrete foundation remains at the rear of the site, extending onto an adjacent parcel and making removal “completely difficult.” The approved plan leaves a portion of that foundation in place. Construction is slated to begin within 30 days of approval and is expected to take six to nine months.
Commissioners’ support
Commission Vice‑Chair Joshua Van Hoesen praised the proposal, saying, “It’s good to see more housing being proposed.” Fellow commissioner and Westville Alder Adam Marchand added that the development should have a positive impact on the neighborhood. The unanimous vote reflects broad consensus that the project will revitalize a long‑standing vacant lot and address housing affordability.
Next steps
The City Plan Commission’s approval moves the project forward to the full Board of Alders, which will consider the final sale and any remaining conditions. If all approvals are secured, the new apartments could be ready for residents by mid‑2027, offering stable, affordable homes in a historically underserved part of New Haven.
Community context
Fair Haven has struggled with limited affordable housing options for years. By converting a derelict commercial site into a modest residential complex, the city hopes to strengthen the neighborhood’s economic base while preserving the character of the area. Local leaders see the development as a model for turning neglected parcels into community assets.
Original reporting: New Haven Independent — read the source article.
